Landscaping for Mound Systems

So, all the conditions at your site point to the need for a mound septic system. One of the first questions many people ask is “What am I going to do with a large mound in my backyard?” Granted, having a hill that is typically three or four feet high and can be as long as 90 feet offers a unique challenge to the landscaper. There are, however, several things you can do to help protect the mound and make it visually appealing at the same time.

The right vegetation cover helps keep the mound intact, as well as making it more attractive. But, the wrong cover can do irreparable damage to the mound. Do not plant trees, shrubs, or any plant with an extensive root system on the mound. The roots will interfere with and possibly destroy the distribution system. The mound can be framed with trees or shrubs, but they should be at least 20 feet away. It is also ill-advised to plant vegetables or herbs on the mound.

The best things to plant on the mound are low-maintenance grasses - a mixture of creeping red, hard, and sheep’s fescues works well - or perennial flowers such as daylilies and peonies. Because the mound will tend to be dry on top, plant grasses and other ground cover that are resistant to water stress there. Cool season grasses and other plants may be planted on the sides of the mound. Be sure to wear gloves when landscaping the mound.

Using minimal tilling when planting and establish a cover as quickly as possible to limit erosion. The top soil on the mound should be at least six inches, but no more than 12 inches deep. Keep traffic on the mound to a minimum. If you plant a lawn grass, plan to mow it only two or three times a year. Do not irrigate or water the mound once you have vegetation on it.

The actual shape of the mound may be changed to suit individual landscaping and site needs. One built at a right angle can be used in the corner of a property. A rectangular mound is most often used when there is plenty of room and uniform slope. Landscaping areas around the mound can serve as a privacy barrier, a windbreak, or as a screen to block unsightly views.

While having a mound as part of the homes’ landscape isn’t always desirable, the right landscaping can minimize the aesthetic intrusion and maximize protection of this valuable investment.

Here are 15 plants that grow well on a mound septic system and require little maintenance. Check with your local extension office to see which plants will grow in your climatic region. (Source of plant listing University of Minnesota Extension Office.)

Bigleaf Aster ( Aster Macrophyllus) Butterflyweed ( Asclepias Tuberosa)
Health Aster ( Aster Ericoides) Oxeye Daisy ( Helianthus Helianthoides)
Pale Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea Angustifolia) Pennsylvania Sedge ( Carex Pennsylvanica)
Prairie Clover ( Dalea) Prairie Onion ( Allium Stellatum)
Prairie Smoke ( Geum Triflorum) Pussytoes ( Antennaria Neglecta)
Rattlesnake Master ( Eryngium Yuccifolium) Rough Blazing Star ( Liatris Aspera)
Violets ( Viola) Wild Bergamot ( Mondarda Fistulosa)
Wild Geranium ( Geranium Maculatum)

Other Topics:
Sewage Protection Program | Mound Systems - Maintenance a Must | Mound Systems | Why Systems Fail | Ten Most Asked Questions About Septic Systems

Source of information is the National Small Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia University (800) 624-8301

Back to Articles | Top of Page